Bruce Hornsby has made the Memphis area a tour stop his entire decades long career. Whether with the Range, Noisemakers, or simply by himself at the piano, Hornsby’s midsouth roots run deep. His latest area show saw him kick off the 30th season of the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC). The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has become a September regular at the GPAC. This sold out performance paid homage to the 25 year anniversary of his “Spirit Trail” release.
Hornsby and his five Noisemakers were in top form continually expanding and branching out into each song on his shifting setlist. A setlist that ranged from early Hornsby “Mandolin Rain” to “Echolocation” from 2019’s Absolute Zero. As he’s done since the ’80s, Hornsby was happy to take requests from the audience. The attentive and lively crowd offered a few curveballs that Hornsby would easily handle and make note of after the show.
“We began our third and final leg of 2024 at this old standard haunt outside of Memphis, and it was a special night from the start. Opening with two songs that haven’t been played yet this year usually creates a fresh feeling of excitement with the band (we’ve now played around 104 of my songs this year).”
“Sound on stage was very clear, which led to an entire night of spontaneity and new musical moves made in most every song. Requests led us to new areas as well, with “Levitate” (from the Spike Lee ESPN doc “Kobe Doin’ Work”, my first film score composed in 2008-9) adding to the 2004 list of songs played. “Spider”, “Cast-Off” and “Monkey Business” were also requests granted. We got so carried away, in the best way, that we forgot to play “Way It Is”, which I try to play every night. Sometimes a break from a perennial results in the same fresh feeling (the next time) that playing rarities creates.”
Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers GPAC September 18, 2024
Crown of Jewels, Pastures of Plenty, Walk in the Sun, Every Little Kiss, Spider Fingers, Resting Place, Cast-Off, Levitate, Echolocation, Mandolin Rain, Prairie Dog Town, Too Much Monkey Business, Little Sadie, White Wheeled Limousine – Long Black Veil, Big Stick, Jacob’s Ladder
